Norm vs. Standard: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A norm is an accepted social behavior or rule, while a standard is a defined level of quality or achievement.
Key Differences
A norm refers to the informal guidelines or expected behaviors within a society or group, often unspoken yet understood by its members. In contrast, a standard is a more formal, established criterion or level that things or behaviors are measured against.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Norms are often culturally specific, reflecting the values and practices of a particular community. Standards, however, can be universal, setting consistent criteria across various contexts, like industries or educational systems.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Violating a norm typically leads to social consequences, such as disapproval or ostracism. Conversely, failing to meet a standard can result in more tangible repercussions, like legal ramifications or quality control issues.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Norms evolve organically over time, shaped by the customs and attitudes of a group. Standards, however, are typically set by authoritative bodies or consensus and are revised through formal processes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
In practice, norms guide everyday interactions and social behaviors, influencing how individuals act within a group. Standards ensure consistency and quality, providing benchmarks for evaluating products, services, or performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Origin
Culturally or socially developed
Set by authorities or industry consensus
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Consequences of Non-compliance
Social disapproval or ostracism
Legal or quality control issues
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Norm and Standard Definitions
Norm
A norm can be a principle of right action binding upon group members.
Recycling is a norm in communities conscious about the environment.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Standard
A standard is a level of quality or attainment.
This car meets the highest safety standards.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Norm
Norm indicates an ideal pattern of behavior expected by a society.
In professional settings, punctuality is often a valued norm.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Standard
Standard refers to something used as a measure or model in comparative evaluations.
Her work is considered the standard for excellence in the field.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Norm
A norm is a typical standard or pattern in social behavior.
Shaking hands when meeting someone is a common social norm.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Standard
A standard is an object that under specified conditions defines, represents, or records the magnitude of a unit.
The meter in Paris is a historical standard for measuring length.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Norm
Norm refers to an accepted way of behaving within a group.
It's a norm in many cultures to remove shoes before entering a home.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Standard
Serving as or conforming to an established or accepted measurement or value
A standard unit of volume.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
A pattern that is regarded as typical of something
A neighborhood where families with two wage-earners are the norm.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
Widely recognized or employed as a model of authority or excellence
A standard reference work.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
A standard or expectation that is established for a given enterprise or effort
Journalistic norms.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
A pattern of behavior considered acceptable or proper by a social group
Violated the norms of his community.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
(Linguistics) Conforming to models or norms of usage admired by educated speakers and writers
Standard pronunciation.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
An acknowledged measure of comparison for quantitative or qualitative value; a criterion.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
To establish or judge in reference to a norm
Normed the test on the basis of last year's results.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
An object that under specified conditions defines, represents, or records the magnitude of a unit.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
That which is normal or typical.
Unemployment is the norm in this part of the country.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
The set proportion by weight of gold or silver to alloy metal prescribed for use in coinage.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
A rule that is imposed by regulations and/or socially enforced by members of a community.
Not eating your children is just one of those societal norms.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A degree or level of requirement, excellence, or attainment
Their quality of work exceeds the standards set for the field.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
A sentence with non-descriptive meaning, such as a command, permission, or prohibition.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
Something, such as a practice or a product, that is widely recognized or employed, especially because of its excellence.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
(mathematics) A function, generally denoted or , that maps vectors to non-negative scalars and has the following properties: Category:en:Functions
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A set of specifications that are adopted within an industry to allow compatibility between products.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A long, tapering flag bearing heraldic devices distinctive of a person or corporation.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
(chess) A high level of performance in a chess tournament, several of which are required for a player to receive a title.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
An emblem or flag of an army, raised on a pole to indicate the rallying point in battle.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
A rule or authoritative standard; a model; a type; as, deviations from the norm are not tolerated.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
A standard or model or pattern regarded as typical;
The current middle-class norm of two children per family
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
The large upper petal of the flower of a pea or related plant. Also called banner, vexillum.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
A statistic describing the location of a distribution;
It set the norm for American homes
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Norm
Norm implies an average or usual occurrence or condition.
Attending college after high school has become the norm in many societies.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Standard
A shrub or small tree that through grafting or training has a single stem of limited height with a crown of leaves and flowers at its apex.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
(Music) A composition that is continually used in repertoires
A pianist who knew dozens of Broadway standards.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
Falling within an accepted range of size, amount, power, quality, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
(of a tree or shrub) Growing alone as a free-standing plant; not trained on a post etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
Having recognized excellence or authority.
Standard works in history; standard authors
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A rule or set of rules or requirements which are widely agreed upon or imposed by government.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
The proportion of weights of fine metal and alloy established for coinage.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
(sociolinguistics) standard idiom, a prestigious or standardized language variety; standard language
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
An object supported in an upright position, such as a lamp standard.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
One of the upright members that supports the horizontal axis of a transit or theodolite.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A sturdy, woody plant whose upright stem is used to graft a less hardy ornamental flowering plant on, rather then actually planting it.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A tree of natural size supported by its own stem, and not dwarfed by grafting on the stock of a smaller species nor trained upon a wall or trellis.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
(shipbuilding) An inverted knee timber placed upon the deck instead of beneath it, with its vertical branch turned upward from that which lies horizontally.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A flag; colors; a banner; especially, a national or other ensign.
His armies, in the following day,On those fair plains their standards proud display.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
That which is established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, extent, value, or quality; esp., the original specimen weight or measure sanctioned by government, as the standard pound, gallon, or yard.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
That which is established as a rule or model by authority, custom, or general consent; criterion; test.
The court, which used to be the standard of propriety and correctness of speech.
A disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken together, would be my standard of a statesman.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
The proportion of weights of fine metal and alloy established by authority.
By the present standard of the coinage, sixty-two shillings is coined out of one pound weight of silver.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A tree of natural size supported by its own stem, and not dwarfed by grafting on the stock of a smaller species nor trained upon a wall or trellis.
In France part of their gardens is laid out for flowers, others for fruits; some standards, some against walls.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
An upright support, as one of the poles of a scaffold; any upright in framing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
An inverted knee timber placed upon the deck instead of beneath it, with its vertical branch turned upward from that which lies horizontally.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
Being, affording, or according with, a standard for comparison and judgment; as, standard time; standard weights and measures; a standard authority as to nautical terms; standard gold or silver.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
Hence: Having a recognized and permanent value; as, standard works in history; standard authors.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
Not supported by, or fastened to, a wall; as, standard fruit trees.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated;
They set the measure for all subsequent work
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
The ideal in terms of which something can be judged;
They live by the standards of their community
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
An upright pole or beam (especially one used as a support);
Distance was marked by standards every mile
Lamps supported on standards provided illumination
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
Conforming to or constituting a standard of measurement or value; or of the usual or regularized or accepted kind;
Windows of standard width
Standard sizes
The standard fixtures
Standard brands
Standard operating procedure
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
Commonly used or supplied;
Standard procedure
Standard car equipment
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
Established or widely recognized as a model of authority or excellence;
A standard reference work
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
Conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers;
Standard English
Received standard English is sometimes called the King's English
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Standard
A standard is a principle or example used for comparison.
The company's policy is the industry standard for ethical practices.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Standard
Standard can also mean a rule or guideline established by authority.
The new building codes set higher energy efficiency standards.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What happens if a norm is not followed?
Not following a norm typically results in social consequences like disapproval.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What defines a norm?
A norm is defined as a typical or accepted behavior within a society or group.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Are standards universal?
Standards can be universal, especially in industries or fields with global reach.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Can norms vary between cultures?
Yes, norms can vary significantly between different cultures and societies.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Do norms have a formal setting process?
No, norms evolve organically and are not typically set through a formal process.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Do norms influence personal behavior?
Norms significantly influence personal and social behavior in everyday life.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What role do standards play in industries?
Standards ensure quality, safety, and consistency in various industries.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What are the repercussions of not meeting a standard?
Failing to meet a standard can lead to legal issues or quality control problems.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Are norms legally binding?
Norms are not legally binding; they are more about social expectations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
How is a standard established?
A standard is established through formal processes by authoritative bodies or industry consensus.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Can an individual's action change a norm?
Individual actions can contribute to the evolution of norms over time.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
How are standards enforced?
Standards are enforced through regulatory bodies, inspections, and industry practices.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Are standards subject to change?
Yes, standards can be revised or updated through formal processes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Can standards differ from country to country?
Yes, standards can vary between countries, especially in areas like safety and manufacturing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Are there international standards?
Yes, there are international standards in many fields, like ISO standards in manufacturing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Is adherence to standards mandatory?
In many cases, adherence to standards is mandatory, especially in regulated industries.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
How do norms affect social interactions?
Norms greatly affect social interactions, dictating acceptable behavior in various settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
How do norms reflect society?
Norms reflect the values, customs, and practices of a society or community.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Do norms require formal acknowledgment?
Norms do not usually require formal acknowledgment; they are implicitly understood.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What's an example of a widely recognized standard?
A widely recognized standard is the ISO 9001 for quality management systems.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
